For adventure, you can take a hike to the top of Diamond Head crater for a spectacular 360-degree view of Oahu and Waikiki beach, take surfing lessons in front of the Royal Hawaiian hotel, scuba dive the spectacular coral reefs, go shark cage diving on the north shore, or take a ride on an outrigger canoe. Additional side-trips include snorkeling at Hanauma Bay amongst a myriad of tropical marine life, go sport fishing, take a Catamaran sunset cruise on Waikiki Beach, or for the really adventurous, go for a ride in a glider airplane high above the Oahu mountains.

An Oahu vacation isn't just for the adventuresome. Leisure recreation is everywhere. One thing everyone must do is take the scenic drive over the Pali Highway, stopping at the historic site for a phenomenal view from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout point. Also be sure to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center where you can stop and see where the famous big surf rolls in. If you want to buy a flower lei, stop at one of the stands on Maunakea Street to see how they're made. Many people love to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu to, not only view original Hawaiian lifestyle, but also become familiar with many of the other Polynesian South Pacific Islands. This is a full day of entertainment and its recommended that you buy your tickets well in advance if you are traveling during a busy season.

On Oahu, there are many different nature tours to choose from. Discover tropical rain forests, waterfalls, old Hawaiian Villages, visit an arboretum, or experience sunrise atop Diamond Head while learning of its history from your knowledgeable tour guide.

For surfers and those who simply enjoy the thrill of watching some of the largest surf in the world pound the Hawaiian beaches, a stop at Oahu's North Shore is a trip you'll never forget. With waves reaching 30 feet in height, you'll see some of the bravest surfers in the world risk it all as they tackle one of nature's most powerful forces. On Oahu's North Shore, you'll find famous surf beaches like Waimea Bay and Pipeline. The largest waves on the North Shore can be found during the winter months between November and February, while the summer months usually produce very small surf anywhere from a few feet in height to complete calm, which provides for great snorkeling and swimming for vacationers.

Your Hawaii Vacation in Oahu would not be complete without a trip to King Kamehameha's Palace. King Kamehameha was the first King of Hawaii. Under his rule, he conquered the Hawaiian Islands and formally established the Kingdom of Hawaii in the year 1810. By developing alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers, Kamehameha successfully preserved Hawaii's independence. Under his rule, he brought together all the other island's chiefdoms and united them under one single government.

Certainly, if this is your 1st vacation in Oahu, you'll want to visit Pearl Harbor. Here you'll visit the Memorials of the USS Arizona and the Missouri. The Memorial is the final resting place for many of the battleship's 1,177 crew who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. The Memorial commemorates the site where World War II began for the United States. The tour of the Memorial begins with a 23-minute documentary film depicting the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, showing actual footage that enthrusts awe, appreciation, and great respect for those who lost their lives on that fateful day.

Anyone who appreciates aviation will certainly enjoy The Pacific Aviation Museum located in the WWII Hangars in Pearl Harbor. These hangers still show scars of our nation's first aviation battlefield. Here you'll find exhibits of a 1942 Japanese Zero and its' opponent, the USA's Wildcat. See the Stearman 18 year old George H. W. Bush honored as the war's youngest aviator. Learn the history of how aviation turned the tide of World War II. Flight Simulators are also available for an extra fee.

With so many things to do on one island, it's no wonder Oahu is the most popular Hawaiian island for vacationers. For Oahu vacation accommodations, there are many Oahu hotels to choose from in Waikiki but many prefer to stay in privately-owned vacation rentals for both comfort and cost-efficiency. Most Oahu vacation rentals include fully stocked kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and some even have a private swimming pool, which works out great for a cheap familiy vacation. Therefore, it pays to shop around before considering the multitude of expensive Oahu hotels.